I might have to give Shankly up. Please Advise

[TayandRee]

I don't understand either

I have a 4 year old and 2 year old....and a few extra pounds, so I always take advantage of the fact that Princess needs walking and toss the girls in the double stroller and get some excercise.

Does your wife not like the dog? Is the dog hostile to the baby? or is it just the walking that is the problem?

Whatever you decide, I wish you luck. I hope your furbaby ends up in a loving home, whether it be yours or someone elses.

 

[2boxersrb]

At the risk of sounding like a five year old all I can say is "that's not fair!!". But that's exactly what the situation is for Shankley. She loves you more than you could know and I guarantee she feels like she's apart of your family. How sad would you be if you got sent away because you stressed someone out?

I realize having a new baby is stressful and causes alot of things to change. You said your wife thinks that you can't spend enough time with Shankley but how do you know that she'll get any real attention when she's sitting in a cage waiting for a new family to take her. And what assurance do you have that her new family will be any better.

Things will settle down and everyone will find their place. You just have to be patient. Throwing her away is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I hope you make the right and responsible decision.

 

[SouthernArt]

I don't have skin-children, but when I do, Duchess, Sam, and Beldar are staying where they are--I can't bear the thought of being without them! :(

I know that everyone's situation is different, so I don't want to judge you. I just wanted to say that I hope the best for everyone and that it will be that Shankly gets to stay with her family.

 

[bonnie]

I fully agree with what has been said, but would like to point out another variable.

You say you work long hours, sometimes gone all week?! What kind of care will the dog get from your wife? If she is adament (sp?) about getting rid of the dog, what will the quality of life be for Shankley? I guess what I'm trying to say is if she doesn't want to be bothered/stressed and hubby isn't home until weekends, what kind of emotional turmoil will this do to this poor baby?

I fully agree that if things can be worked out, keep Shankley. However, if this baby will not have the proper quality of life he deserves, maybe a new loving home should be found. Shankley didn't ask to be brought home to be later shoved out. He needs and deserves a warm, loving, caring home - not a home where he will be ignored and mentally deprived of warmth and affection.

Please think long and hard before you make a decision. I do not advocate "throwing away" animals, but I also despise neglect in any form.

 

[exk23]

I am not in your shoe so I'm not going to judge you. I do however, agree that you and your wife should think this through before making any rash decision. Can you maybe get a family member to help out with the walking a couple of times a week or like it was suggested before, get a dog walker or a neighborhood kid to walk her.
I don't have any skin kids but when I first got Ruby 2 years ago, I felt I've made the biggest mistake because it was a lot of work to take care of a puppy and I was also thinking I should give him up but, I stuck it out with many many sleepless nights and constant cleaning up after him, I now cannot imagine not having him. Again we got him a playmate back in March and Lily was 9 months. I cried several days because it was way too much for me to handle 2 dogs but again I stuck it out and everything is going well for us. I think you, your family and Shankly need to get into a routine that will work for all of you. In the meantime, please have a dog walker or a family member help you out to give you the time to think about it.
For me my dogs are part of my family members. I hope things will work out for the best for all involve. Goodluck and please keep us posted on what you decided. Also please do not feel like we are ganging up on you, we are all boxers lovers and it is hard for any of us to see a boxer looses its family.

E

 

[Scorpio]

Well Mike, I guess you are wrong there is not only one solution if you have read all the above posts. If you love her as much as you say you do then you will find a solution.Doggy day care, student to walk her, crate, etc till your wife is able to care for her too. I know your wife must find it hard with a new baby and all but you can work it out, I know there are a lot of new moms here at BW that walk their babies and dogs at the same time. There is always a way! You must have some friends that can help out, inlaws, mom or dad, brother , sister?? Take more time to think about it and let us know. Good Luck!

 

[Matt S]

This some how sounds familar.
(Link to 'How Could You'...by Jim Willis)
http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/tiergarten/id21.html

I feel so strongly that everyone should be made to read pieces like that before they can take on the privilege that is owning a dog, particularly a boxer.

I'm sorry if all this seems harsh, but the people in BW are generally very passionate about their beloved boxers.
I really feel that if your wife is that against having Shankly well then she is probably better off in a family that will really give her the love she deserves. So if after taking all the advice in above you feel the same way, then maybe rescue is the best option.
I'm sorry, this is just my opinion of course, but if you do give Shankly up I hope to god that you & your wife think very carefully in the future about getting another 4 legged member of the family & I honestly would feel that you wouldn't deserve another boxer.
To own a dog is not a right, it is a privilege.
I wonder what your daughter will think the day you explain to her that she used to have an older sister.
I'm sorry if this is looked on to be a little harsh, but this is something I feel oh so strongly about.
What a shame we find ourselves in a throw away society.

 

[Linda/NJ]

This really saddens me too. I have to agree with all on here. Please think this through before you make a hasty decision about a member of your family. I don't have kids now, but in the future, I for sure will NEVER give up my boxer. I could not think of doing such a thing. I have even had people (some older relatives) say to me, "when you have kids in the future, what are you going to do with your dog? " I said "what do you mean?" she is part of this family and is not going anywhere!:rolleyes: Please give it a try and don't give him up.

Linda & Erik
Ginger * June 4, 1997
Flashy Fawn * Natural Ears

 

[elephant]

Hmmmmm

You have a difficult desicion before you. But it seems to me maybe there could be another solution before havng to give your dog away. I am no expert but I like the suggestions of the others for example take dog on walk with baby in stroller,hire a neighborhood child to take him on a walk or maybe someone you know could come by and help your wife for a few hours a day. I do believe it is hormonal and women just cannot help it, but think long and hard before giving up your family member,because that is what Shankly is.

 

[jess]

Ok here is my two cents. I know how your wife feels as I just had a baby last june and it is very overwhelming but after saying that let me also say the the feelings of dispare also go away in a few months. Life becomes so much easier when you reach the 4-6 month age. I not only had the new baby to look after but at the time we also had nine dogs two of which have since been put down due to age and health but that still leaves seven dogs three cats four horses and two ducks. This is also before the yard was fenced and hubby was working 10-12 hour days. So trust me when I say it can be done. I could never forgive myself if I were to just give up on a member of my family because things were a little trying at the moment. Please tell your wife to hang in there and that things do get easier. Dogs are for life and not to be thrown out because of a mild inconvience that will pass.